Use of epidurals in versions??

fearlessbirth · 08-01-2006, 03:14 PM

I don't have any official information BUT it would make sense that having an epi would help it be more successful because so much of the versions working is the mom's ability to relax and let her body go...unless she's a master-relaxer and can really do some good deep relaxation, I would say the epi may be the way to go...

If she does get it, reinforce that it was for RELAXATION and not pain management.

Will you be there with her?

MothertheMother · 08-01-2006, 03:40 PM

is there a reason she wouldn't try it first without the epi? Then if it seems unsuccesful go ahead with it?

ctowndoula · 08-01-2006, 03:57 PM

Check out www.childbirthconnection.org (I will double check) and register with them, it is free. They have the complete text from the book A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Birth.

The stats say that you should not do a version until 40 weeks. Do it and if it doesn't work just do the c-section at that time.

I have been to four versions [sigh]. The only one that worked, mom had an epidural. I have had clients have better luck with chiro and moxi to turn the baby. email me if you have questions.

The doc will try harder to turn the babe if mom has an epidural. It is painful for the mom. I know midwives can do it nice and gentle and no epidural is needed, but I have not been priviledged to watch one.

fearlessbirth · 08-01-2006, 04:38 PM

Oh, yeah...totally try other means of turning first! I don't know why I just ASSumed but I was thinking all other methods had been tried first! Definitely encourage chiro, moxi, handstands in water, flashlight between legs, frozen peas on belly at baby's head, ANYTHING!

Gentlebirthmama · 08-01-2006, 06:36 PM

Using an epidural??? Why don't they give her something IM first to see if that relaxes the uterus enough? I know there is a drug commonly used but can't remember the name of it right off. I've never heard of them using an epidural...seems to me that they are getting mom ready for a c/sec just in case the version doesn't work...it would be easy for them to say, "well, it looks like the baby wants to stay breech so you won't be able to have a vaginal birth because of the risks involved, blah, blah, blah...and since you already have the epidural...".

My second son was transverse up to 38 wks and my midwife did an external version...it was more of a massage. Her assistant listened with the doppler and afterwards at home I did pelvic tilts to help ensure the baby went head down. He did and I had a homebirth with him.

I agree about her trying some other means first of turning the baby...
Amy

newbirth · 08-01-2006, 07:01 PM

Yes I have heard of using an epidural. My concern, in addition to those already stated here, is that often times labor is induced/water is broken if the version is successful, so that the baby doesn't have time to turn back around (supposedly). If she already has an epidural, then this decreases her chance for an unmedicated labor/birth (it's already in, might as well continue to use it). Now, if she's already planning on an epidural, I guess it's not much of a big deal, other than being medicated even before induction...

Try some of those other techniques, and also ask around and see if you can find any other practitioners, perhaps even in minority communities, that have a high success rate of turning babies. There is a Hmong woman near here who has great success for turning babies with a manuever that sounds very similar to the diaphragmatic release.

Ceci · 08-01-2006, 09:55 PM

1stimestar · 08-01-2006, 09:58 PM

Yep, it's pretty standard.

Gentlebirthmama · 08-01-2006, 11:04 PM

If mom has tried everything and baby is persistent in staying breech, there could be a reason...maybe the cord or something is preventing baby froming turning. Could also be that a trial of labor would encourage baby to flip.

I hope that all goes well, and they get the birth they hope for.
Amy

fearlessbirth · 08-02-2006, 07:37 AM

It's interesting that she's against induction but wouldn't consider vaginal birth of a breech...hmmm. I mean, to each her own but it would seem that if she's dead set against Pit and not wanting an epi that she'd do anything before having a cesarean.

Gentlebirthmama · 08-02-2006, 10:17 AM

She's probably been told by her OB how dangerous a breech birth is, and it does require someone with skill to help assist. I don't know if I'd want an untrained person trying to help my breech baby out either...could cause more damage than not.

fearlessbirth · 08-02-2006, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gentlebirthmama

She's probably been told by her OB how dangerous a breech birth is, and it does require someone with skill to help assist. I don't know if I'd want an untrained person trying to help my breech baby out either...could cause more damage than not.

That's true. I forgot they don't teach OBs how to catch breeches anymore

And I hate it how they equate with them not being taught how to do it with it being dangerous.

Jilian · 08-02-2006, 02:09 PM

I hope it goes well! Keep us updated.

earthgirl · 08-02-2006, 02:25 PM

It makes no sense that they don't teach OB's to deliver breech babies anymore! Maybe OB's should start doing clinics at The Farm! LOL
Actually, up here, it's the hospital that won't allow delivery of breech. I guess their concern is "lawsuit".
But what happens if baby is breech during delivery, and it's past the point of no return for c-sec? Better to have some experience delivering breech!